The next time
you recite the Nicene Creed at Mass, think of today´s saint. For it was Leander of Seville who, as
bishop, introduced the practice in the sixth century. He saw it as a way to help reinforce the faith
of his people and as an antidote against the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of
Christ. By the end of his life, Leander had helped Christianity flourish in Spain at a time of
political and religious upheaval.

Leander´s own family was heavily influenced by Arianism, but he himself grew up
to be a fervent Christian. He entered a monastery as a young man and spent three years in prayer and
study. At the end of that tranquil period he was made a bishop. For the rest of his life he worked
strenuously to fight against heresy. The death of the anti-Christian king in 586 helped Leander´s
cause. He and the new king worked hand in hand to restore orthodoxy and a renewed sense of morality.
Leander succeeded in persuading many Arian bishops to change their loyalties.

Leander died around 600.
In Spain he is honored as a Doctor of the Church.

Other Saints of the day:

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